The Impact of Oshie’s Return
When the Blues lost T.J. Oshie to a broken ankle back on November 10th against the Columbus Blue Jackets, they lost a forward who can change the game in any situation he’s playing in. They lost one of their best offensive players which hurt them on the powerplay. Not to mention losing one of their key penalty killing forwards as well. They lost a guy who can play physical, showing he can put even the biggest players (I’m talking to you Zdeno Chara) on their rear ends. Oh, not to mention they lost possibly their most energetic player.
When one player who is capable of filling all of those roles get knocked out of the line up for 31 games, it’s more than a tough loss, at times, its back breaking.
But when T.J. Oshie returned to the line up last night against the L.A. Kings, a renewed spirit seemed to come with him to the line up. There was a little extra jump in everyone’s step. That is what happens when you add someone as energetic as Oshie to the line up. He energizes other people. That is just one of the perks of having a player like Oshie in the game, and just one of the ways he’ll impact our line up when he is healthy.
As all of you know, our power play has been, well less than stellar as of late. This is another area Oshie will find away to help improve now that he has returned. A healthy Oshie can really improve our offensive side of the dpecial teams. His ability to control the puck in high traffic areas will allow the Blues to make quicker more effective plays on the PP. His vision and passing skill will allow the ‘shoot first’ players to have more chances to get open and get a shot off.
Not only will adding Oshie help on the powerplay, but his superb defensive play will give the penalty killing unit a boost as well. Oshie was paired woth David Backes on the PK unit early this year and into last season, and the duo proved to not only able to shut down some great offensive players, but also get some offensive oppourtunities in a defensive role.something the Blues have sorely lacked since Oshie’s injury.
Another area I see Oshie impacting is the leadership portion of the game. In many ‘behind the scenes’ features that show the locker room,Oshie is often a voice heard in the locker room encouraging other players. Coming out of college, Oshie was said to have strong leadership capabilities, I doubt they have gone anywhere and he could very well help lift the team just by adding another voice in the locker room.
I could go on and add more on what Oshie will add to the club, but fact is, we know. The intangibles added by Oshie will help this club in almost aspect of the ga the fact that he does all the little things is key in his return.
When the puck drops tonight against the Red Wings, Oshie and the Blues will look at start a winning streak at home and will do so with a team that is finally looking healthier.
That is something all of us can be thankful for.
